Saudi Arabia has achieved the highest growth in international tourism among G20 nations, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization's September 2024 World Tourism Barometer. In the first seven months of 2024, the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists, marking a 73% increase compared to the same period in 2019. This surge has significantly boosted tourism revenues, which have risen by 207% over the same timeframe .
These impressive figures underscore the success of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy by reducing reliance on oil and promoting tourism as a key economic driver. The Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy targets attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 and increasing tourism's contribution to the gross domestic product from 6% to 10% .
In 2023, Saudi Arabia attracted 27.4 million international visitors, a 56% increase compared to 2019, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of global tourism growth. Additionally, the tourism sector recorded a historic SAR 48 billion surplus in 2023, reflecting a 38% year-on-year growth .
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Saudi Arabia's tourism sector for its pivotal role in diversifying the economy, particularly within the services sector, contributing to job creation, increased visitor spending, and a growing GDP share .
These developments highlight Saudi Arabia's emergence as a leading global tourism destination, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure development, and a commitment to sustainable growth.